The Crisafulli Government has announced the appointment of Ben Kidston as the next Ports North Chair, marking the final stage of its leadership refresh across Queensland’s Government Owned Corporations (GOCs).
Mr Kidston, who will assume the role on January 1, 2026, brings extensive expertise in commercial and corporate law to the position. He will succeed current Chair Russell Beer, whose term concludes at the end of this year.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates says the new appointment reflects the government’s focus on strengthening the financial and operational performance of Queensland’s port and energy businesses.
“With these new appointments, the Crisafulli Government is delivering new leadership for all 11 of Queensland’s energy, ports, water and finance GOCs,” Bates says. “Alongside other directors, Mr Kidston will lead Ports North in refocusing on financial and operational performance so that they can deliver for Queenslanders.”
Leading the next chapter of Queensland’s port strategy
Ports North plays a central role in facilitating trade and infrastructure development across northern Queensland, managing key ports including Cairns, Mourilyan, Karumba, and Thursday Island.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg says Mr Kidston’s legal and governance experience will help guide the corporation through its next phase of growth.
“Mr Kidston brings deep legal expertise in commercial and corporate law and will provide leadership to ensure Ports North continues to deliver on the Government’s objectives,” Mickelberg says.
Bates also acknowledged outgoing Chair Russell Beer for his years of service. “I sincerely thank Mr Beer for his leadership and commitment to the ongoing success of Ports North,” she says.
The appointment of Mr Kidston strengthens the government’s focus on ensuring Queensland’s ports continue to deliver critical trade infrastructure and drive regional economic development.
New leadership at Stanwell
In addition to the Ports North appointment, the Crisafulli Government has also confirmed Justin Parer as Chair of Stanwell, Queensland’s major government-owned energy generator.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki says Mr Parer’s extensive commercial experience will bring renewed focus to the corporation’s energy leadership.
“Mr Parer has outstanding commercial and business experience which will provide fresh leadership to the Stanwell Board,” Janetzki says. “I sincerely thank outgoing Chair Paul Binstead for his exceptional service to Stanwell over the past five years.”
Both Mr Parer and Mr Kidston will step down from their previous board roles at the Port of Townsville and Ports North, respectively, to take up their new leadership positions.